​Civility School Districts

We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.- From Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

​What is a Civility First School District?

A school district in Island County Washington who through their school board, affirms the principles of the Civility First Pledge and who aspires to encourage and promote civility in classrooms, with employees and in community meetings.​

​What does a Civility First School District do?

​Have school board members sign the Civility First Pledge on behalf of the school district.

Encourage schools, principals, teachers, students and employees to sign a civility pledge.

Encourage civility within the school district and work to create a culture of civility among students, employees and the public they serve.

Distribute and/or display information about the Civility First as appropriate.

​What is the Civility First Pledge?

As a Civility First School District, we aspire to:Value honesty and good will while striving to solve problems.Attempt genuinely to understand the point of view of others.​Model civil behavior and tone, online as well as in public, by:

Being kind while maintaining the right to vigorously disagree.

Acting respectfully toward others, including opponents.

Listening to those who disagree with us, as well as supporters.

Making only accurate statements when defending a position.

Refraining from characterizing adversaries as evil.

Challenge disrespectful behavior, courteously.

Encourage any person or organization working on our behalf to meet these same standards for civil discourse.

Renew our efforts, if we fail, and forgive others, if they fail.

How does Civility First support Civility School Districts?

Civility First School Districts receive a framed certificate of their pledge that can be displayed and referred to in public meeting rooms.

Civility First supports the school district by supplying information on student pledges, civility curriculums, classroom speakers, etc.